nimble-footed
Definition
Adjective: Describing someone or something that moves quickly and lightly on their feet; agile and swift in foot movement.
Usage Examples
- (The dancer moved with quick, light steps.)
- (A cat that moves swiftly on its feet can avoid threats.)
- (He moved quickly and agilely on the field.)
Advanced Usage
"nimble-footed in negotiation": used metaphorically to describe someone who adapts quickly and tactfully in discussions.
- The diplomat was nimble-footed in the peace talks, sidestepping tricky questions. (The diplomat moved quickly and cleverly in conversation.)
"nimble-footed response": a quick and agile reaction, often in a figurative sense.
- The company's nimble-footed response to the market crash saved it from bankruptcy. (The company reacted swiftly and effectively.)
Variants and Related Words
Nimble (adj): quick and light in movement or thought.
- The nimble climber reached the summit first. (Quick and agile.)
Footed (adj): having a specified kind of foot (used in compounds like "nimble-footed").
- The sure-footed mountain goat never slipped. (Having steady feet.)
Synonyms
Light-footed: moving with light, quick steps.
- The light-footed runner won the race. (Moving gracefully and fast.)
Agile: able to move quickly and easily.
- The agile gymnast performed a perfect routine. (Flexible and swift.)
Swift-footed: moving very fast on foot.
- The swift-footed messenger delivered the news in record time. (Extremely quick.)
Related Idioms
To be quick on one's feet: to be able to move or react rapidly.
- In basketball, you need to be quick on your feet to defend. (Requires nimble-footedness.)
To have light feet: to move with grace and ease.
- The ballerina had light feet, making her appear to float. (Nimble-footed quality.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Skip over: to move lightly and quickly past something.
- The nimble-footed child skipped over the puddles. (Moved with quick, light jumps.)